Bat Yam Temple of the Islands
Sukkot 2017at Bat Yam with students from Sanibel Congregational UCC Christian pre-School and their teacher Ana Abella.
Welcome to our new Bat Yam Temple of the Islands Page! Here is where you can keep up with the goings-on at Bat Yam and Rabbi Stephen Lewis Fuchs. Each month there will be an update from the temple's newsletter, Bat Yam Matters. But, if there is late-breaking news prior to the next newsletter, you can bet I'll be all over it, and you'll be the first to know -- as long as you check this page periodically!
Click on the button below and then click on "bulletin" to view the latest edition of Bat Yam Matters!
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Jewish Community Day of Learning
The Third Annual Jewish Community Day of Learning will take place on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at Temple Shalom. The program, sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, will include lectures, discussions, and a concert. Speakers scheduled to appear are Rabbi Stephen Fuchs and David Prager. Rabbi Fuchs, currently at Bat Yam Temple of the Islands, is an author and was named Distinguished Alumnus of 2017 by Vanderbilt Divinity School. David Prager is the Southern Regional Director for the Simon Wiesenthal Center and is based in Miami. Violinist Rachael Cox from Florida Southwestern State College will perform Music of the Holocaust as the culminating event following a discussion of the book “Violins of Hope.”
Participants are invited to bring their own brown bag lunch (no pork or shellfish). A lunch purchase option will be available. Snacks and water will be provided. Following the program, participants will have the opportunity to meet with the presenters and purchase books. Cost of the event is $18. Reservations can be made by contacting Renee Bialek at rbialek@jewishnaples.org . Look for more details and information in the future issue of the Federation Star.
Participants are invited to bring their own brown bag lunch (no pork or shellfish). A lunch purchase option will be available. Snacks and water will be provided. Following the program, participants will have the opportunity to meet with the presenters and purchase books. Cost of the event is $18. Reservations can be made by contacting Renee Bialek at rbialek@jewishnaples.org . Look for more details and information in the future issue of the Federation Star.
Rabbi Stephen Fuchs to Speak at Monday
Night Event
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Lab Theater will host a “Read for Peace” event Monday, November 5, to encourage peace, hope and healing after last week’s mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue. The 7 p.m. event will feature local religious leaders, Holocaust survivors and others reading excerpts from poems, psalms and other works. Donations will be collected for the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. “Jewish, Christian, Muslim, eastern faiths and spiritualists will share the stage and join with members of the community wanting to embrace peace and work together to find ways of achieving a better life for all,” Lab Theater board member Ella Nayor said in a news release announcing the event. “Love is our only answer to blotting out the dark blots of hatred. It is only through education and connection that we shall overcome.” The event is free and open to the public. The Laboratory Theater of Florida is located at 1634 Woodford Ave., downtown Fort Myers. Click here to read the entire article. For more information, visit LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com. |
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Shabbat Must Go On!
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Rabbi Fuchs is away for a couple weeks, but never fear! Vickie Fuchs will be leading services on Saturday, October 12. See you there!
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Victoria Steinberg Fuchs speaking on Multiculturalism in Wroclaw & Europe organized by Cukunft and the House of Europe. October 2016
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And on October 19, Rabbi A. James Rudin will be leading services at Bat Yam Temple of the Islands. You won't want to miss it! |
Rabbi, Author and Public Speaker, Rabbi A. James Rudin.
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Norma and Flavio Schonholz Renew Wedding Vows
Flavio, Rabbi Fuchs, and Norma Schonholz September 30, 2018.
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Norma and Flavio embark on another 22 years of wedded bliss!
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Rabbi, pastor to host presentation about Sukkot
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September 14, 2018
Island Reporter, Captiva Current, Sanibel-Captiva Islander |
Rabbi Stephen Fuchs and the Rev. Dr. John H. Danner will host a presentation about Sukkot, sometimes called the Festival of the Booths, on Sept. 23 for the Sunday Seminar Series.
It will take place at 9:00 a.m. in Heron Hall at the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ.
Fuchs, of Bat Yam - Temple of the Islands, will explain the origins of the pilgrimage festival and some of its theological significance. He will discuss the various practices which surround it, including the building of booths or huts - temporary shelters - reminiscent of the wandering of the Israelites for 40 years after their escape from slavery in Egypt.
Sukkot lasts from Sept. 23-30 this year.
Fuchs and Danner, senior pastor of Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, will both reflect on the significance of Sukkot and its theological themes in terms of environmental stewardship.
A worship service will follow at 10:00 a.m., when Danner will speak on The Wisdom of James.
Special music will also be a part of the service.
Afterward, attendees are invited to join in a special time in the sukkah that Bat Yam's members will have created in the courtyard of the facility that both congregations share. Refreshments will be served.
All Sunday morning programs and services are free and open to the public.
Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ is at 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
It will take place at 9:00 a.m. in Heron Hall at the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ.
Fuchs, of Bat Yam - Temple of the Islands, will explain the origins of the pilgrimage festival and some of its theological significance. He will discuss the various practices which surround it, including the building of booths or huts - temporary shelters - reminiscent of the wandering of the Israelites for 40 years after their escape from slavery in Egypt.
Sukkot lasts from Sept. 23-30 this year.
Fuchs and Danner, senior pastor of Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, will both reflect on the significance of Sukkot and its theological themes in terms of environmental stewardship.
A worship service will follow at 10:00 a.m., when Danner will speak on The Wisdom of James.
Special music will also be a part of the service.
Afterward, attendees are invited to join in a special time in the sukkah that Bat Yam's members will have created in the courtyard of the facility that both congregations share. Refreshments will be served.
All Sunday morning programs and services are free and open to the public.
Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ is at 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
Reverend John Danner and Rabbi Stephen Fuchs
Let's Go Together!
Join Rabbi Dr. Stephen Fuchs & Rev. Dr. John Danner for an uplifting interfaith experience in Israel!
Be part of a curious, open-minded group of intellectual and spiritual seekers as we:
Walk in the footsteps of Hebrew Bible patriarchs, prophets and Jesus of Nazareth
Reflect at the Western Wall and visit the Kotel Tunnels
Visit the Church of the Nativity and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher
Visit Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered
Descend to the Dead Sea and ascend the heights of Masada
Cruise on the Sea of Galilee and visit the Jordan River
Learn about life today in Israel
Share Shabbat services and a special meal with local host families
Worship at Church of the Redeemer and hear about life for Christians in the Holy Land
Learn from an Islamic Imam advocating for peace
Learn about the modern history of Israel and visit Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum
Share many different cuisines reflective of the variety of cultures in Israel.
Deepen the unique bond that exists between Sanibel Congregational UCC and Bat Yam
April 29-May 10, 2019 Ten days, nine nights $3070 per person. Based on double occupancy, excluding airfare, based on a minimum of 25 participants. Includes:
- Hotels
- Most meals
- Luxury coach travel
- Licensed Israeli tour guide
- All entrance fees and programming costs
- All transfers in Israel
- All taxes and fees
- Gratuities
Secure your place by sending a $250 deposit per person NOW, marked ISRAEL, to:
Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ,
2050 Periwinkle Way,
Sanibel, FL 33957
Attn: Sandy Simmons (Deposit fully refundable until November 30, 2018)
Jerusalem, Israel. Courtesy of Dustin Ferrell.
It's That Time Again!
TEMPLE BAT YAM 2018 HIGH HOLIDAY EVENTS SCHEDULE
All High Holiday events except for Selichot and Tashlich will take place in Fellowship Hall of the SCUCC and will be led by Rabbi Stephen Fuchs. Cantor Murray Simon will chant the prayers, accompanied by pianist Abigail Allison.
Saturday, September 1, 7 p.m. - Selichot reflection and discussion at home of Rabbi Stephen and Vickie Fuchs, 1839 Farm Trail, Sanibel.
Please call Vickie Fuchs at 860-305-4876 to inform her of your attendance.
Rosh HaShanah
. Sunday, September 9, 7:30 p.m. - Erev Rosh HaShanah service –
Sermon topic: Do We Enthrone God?
Monday, September 10, 10 a.m. - Rosh HaShanah service –
Sermon topic: Abraham’s Vital Lesson That We Have Failed to Learn
Monday, September 10, 1:00 p.m., immediately following the morning service - Tashlich service and potluck luncheon hosted by Elissa Karasin Samet and Michael Samet in the party room of their condo at
1605 Middle Gulf Drive (RSVP - see box below for details)
Friday, September 14, 7:30 p.m. - Shabbat Shuva service
Yom Kippur
Tuesday, September 18, 7:30 p.m. - Kol Nidre service –
Sermon topic: A Theology for German Pastors After Auschwitz…and for Us
Wednesday, September 19, 10:00 a.m. - Yom Kippur morning service –
Sermon topic: The Holy Days are About Us, Not the Government -- immediately followed by Congregants’ Hour Speakers: Bat Yam Congregants Mel Bleiberg, Edina Lessack, and Allan Sacks will each speak for approximately ten minutes about their journeys to Judaism, what Yom Kippur means to them, and the important influences in their lives.
3:00 p.m. - Service of Music and Meditation featuring cellist Susannah Kelly and pianist Abigail Allison
4:00 p.m. - Afternoon service - Discussion of the Book of Jonah, the Yom Kippur afternoon Haftarah, Immediately followed by Yizkor/Memorial service – Reflection topic: Our Loved Ones Call Out to Us -- and Ne’ilah/Closing service Immediately followed by Break-the-Fast in Heron Hall - 6:00 p.m.
(Reservations are required; see the box below for details)
Sunday, September 23, 6:00 p.m. – Erev Sukkot in Sukkah
Monday, October 1, 7:30 p.m. – Simchat Torah service
Reservations for the Break-the-Fast must be made by September 16th. Your check is your reservation. Contact organizers Miriam Bailey at miriambailey@aol.com or Esta Berger at erb1882@aol.com. The price is $20 per person for members, $25 per person for non-members.)
RSVP to Elissa Karasin Samet if you plan to attend the Tashlich service and the potluck luncheon following the brief service. Contact her to tell her you will attend and what food you will contribute at 239-239-1250 or elissakarasinsamet@gmail.com.
There will be bins outside of the SCUCC Church at every High Holiday service for donations for the joint Bat Yam and SCUCC Paper Goods Drive to benefit FISH. (Friends in Service Here). Please support this paper drive (toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, etc.) for a worthy Sanibel island organization.
All High Holiday events except for Selichot and Tashlich will take place in Fellowship Hall of the SCUCC and will be led by Rabbi Stephen Fuchs. Cantor Murray Simon will chant the prayers, accompanied by pianist Abigail Allison.
Saturday, September 1, 7 p.m. - Selichot reflection and discussion at home of Rabbi Stephen and Vickie Fuchs, 1839 Farm Trail, Sanibel.
Please call Vickie Fuchs at 860-305-4876 to inform her of your attendance.
Rosh HaShanah
. Sunday, September 9, 7:30 p.m. - Erev Rosh HaShanah service –
Sermon topic: Do We Enthrone God?
Monday, September 10, 10 a.m. - Rosh HaShanah service –
Sermon topic: Abraham’s Vital Lesson That We Have Failed to Learn
Monday, September 10, 1:00 p.m., immediately following the morning service - Tashlich service and potluck luncheon hosted by Elissa Karasin Samet and Michael Samet in the party room of their condo at
1605 Middle Gulf Drive (RSVP - see box below for details)
Friday, September 14, 7:30 p.m. - Shabbat Shuva service
Yom Kippur
Tuesday, September 18, 7:30 p.m. - Kol Nidre service –
Sermon topic: A Theology for German Pastors After Auschwitz…and for Us
Wednesday, September 19, 10:00 a.m. - Yom Kippur morning service –
Sermon topic: The Holy Days are About Us, Not the Government -- immediately followed by Congregants’ Hour Speakers: Bat Yam Congregants Mel Bleiberg, Edina Lessack, and Allan Sacks will each speak for approximately ten minutes about their journeys to Judaism, what Yom Kippur means to them, and the important influences in their lives.
3:00 p.m. - Service of Music and Meditation featuring cellist Susannah Kelly and pianist Abigail Allison
4:00 p.m. - Afternoon service - Discussion of the Book of Jonah, the Yom Kippur afternoon Haftarah, Immediately followed by Yizkor/Memorial service – Reflection topic: Our Loved Ones Call Out to Us -- and Ne’ilah/Closing service Immediately followed by Break-the-Fast in Heron Hall - 6:00 p.m.
(Reservations are required; see the box below for details)
Sunday, September 23, 6:00 p.m. – Erev Sukkot in Sukkah
Monday, October 1, 7:30 p.m. – Simchat Torah service
Reservations for the Break-the-Fast must be made by September 16th. Your check is your reservation. Contact organizers Miriam Bailey at miriambailey@aol.com or Esta Berger at erb1882@aol.com. The price is $20 per person for members, $25 per person for non-members.)
RSVP to Elissa Karasin Samet if you plan to attend the Tashlich service and the potluck luncheon following the brief service. Contact her to tell her you will attend and what food you will contribute at 239-239-1250 or elissakarasinsamet@gmail.com.
There will be bins outside of the SCUCC Church at every High Holiday service for donations for the joint Bat Yam and SCUCC Paper Goods Drive to benefit FISH. (Friends in Service Here). Please support this paper drive (toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, etc.) for a worthy Sanibel island organization.
We Look Forward to Seeing You!
We Gotta Say Goodbye for the Summer...
And we will miss you! Until next time, below are a few parting shots from Rabbi Fuchs' last Shabbat service at Bat Yam Temple for the season.
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Cantor Simon and Rabbi Fuchs
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Rabbi Fuchs blessing Judith and
Howard Mayer in celebration of their 65th wedding anniversary.
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Have a wonderful and safe summer. We'll see you in the fall!
Book Launch and Potluck at Bat Yam Temple of the Islands!
On April 12, 2018 the long-awaited launching of Who Created God? will coincide with the Congregational UCC Potluck Dinner. The event will take place at 5:30 PM at the Fellowship Hall at the Sanibel UCC, located at 2050 Periwinkle Lane, Sanibel, FL. The Reverend Dr. John Tanner will preside over the festivities. Please call (239) 395-0726 to make your reservations.
Ms. Shuman explains, “I thought “Why Triple Chai?” would be the final compilation, but Rabbi Fuchs continues to create more and more essays that I feel are of great interest not only to Jews, but to readers everywhere.”
In addition to pondering the creation of God, areas of particular interest include how the country of Israel has evolved since it became the Jewish homeland in 1948. The rabbi also discusses the intricacies and symbolism of the Jewish wedding ceremony, dealing with terrorism, and his reaction to encountering a swastika in an unlikely setting.
"God is a central focus and central force in my life, which is why so many of the essays in this book relate to the idea of God." ~ Rabbi Stephen Lewis Fuchs
Who Created God? And Other Essays is now available for purchase through Amazon.com and the Bibnar Store.
Seder at Bat Yam Temple of the Islands 5778
Vickie Fuchs as The Purim Witch
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Rabbi Stephen Fuchs as Hatach
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It's Purim at Bat Yam!
Purim is a time to ponder important contemporary lessons during a fun-filled and entertaining service. Our Purim celebration at Shabbat Eve services, 7:30, March 2 will be very special!
We will celebrate the triumph of our people over forces that would have destroyed us as recounted in the biblical Book of Esther. The service will revolve around a dramatic retelling of the biblical story augmented by familiar songs with special Purim lyrics.
All are encouraged to carefully read the Book of Esther so that they can win prizes by correctly answering the questions Rabbi Fuchs will ask during the service. All of the answers to the questions are found in the Book of Esther.
One of Purim’s most time-honored traditions is to shake Groggers (noisemakers) to drown out the name of the villain, Haman, whenever he is mentioned in the story.
Participants can make effective Groggers by putting coins into a small cardboard, metal, or Tupperware-type box. After the service, the coins can be donated to our Tzedakah Fund.
Giving Tzedakah (shalach manot in Hebrew) for those less fortunate than we is a venerable Purim tradition.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Purim is a time to ponder important contemporary lessons during a fun-filled and entertaining service. Our Purim celebration at Shabbat Eve services, 7:30, March 2 will be very special!
We will celebrate the triumph of our people over forces that would have destroyed us as recounted in the biblical Book of Esther. The service will revolve around a dramatic retelling of the biblical story augmented by familiar songs with special Purim lyrics.
All are encouraged to carefully read the Book of Esther so that they can win prizes by correctly answering the questions Rabbi Fuchs will ask during the service. All of the answers to the questions are found in the Book of Esther.
One of Purim’s most time-honored traditions is to shake Groggers (noisemakers) to drown out the name of the villain, Haman, whenever he is mentioned in the story.
Participants can make effective Groggers by putting coins into a small cardboard, metal, or Tupperware-type box. After the service, the coins can be donated to our Tzedakah Fund.
Giving Tzedakah (shalach manot in Hebrew) for those less fortunate than we is a venerable Purim tradition.
We look forward to seeing you there!
The Story of Purim 5778
True to the Text of
The Book of Esther
but...
As it has NEVER been told before!
Starring (in order of appearance)
Ben Yokel
Tanya Hochschild
Kathy Zoss
Edina Lessack
Rabbi Stephen Fuchs
Cantor Pamela Siskin
Songs
Purim Chai
Vashti Slow Rap Song
Mordecai Saves the King
Incredulous Prejudice
Will I Still Be Here Tomorrow
Haman
'BAT YAM MATTERS'
A Jewish congregation serving residents and guests of Sanibel, Captiva, Fort Myers, and surrounding communities providing a place of worship in the Reform tradition and creating an extended Jewish family
Number 92 February 2018 Sh’vat/Adar, 5778
BAT YAM AND SCUCC ANNUAL PULPIT EXCHANGE FIRST WEEKEND IN FEBRUARY
During the Shabbat service of February 2nd, Reverend Dr. John Danner, Senior Pastor of Bat Yam’s host church will be the guest speaker. His sermon title is “Set Apart – But For What?” Based on Exodus 19:1-6, Reverend Danner will explore what it means for Jews and Christians to understand themselves to be a “priestly people” and how American exceptionalism may or may not reflect those understandings. On Sunday, February 4th, Rabbi Stephen Fuchs will speak at both the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services of the SCUCC. His sermon topic will be "The Psalms’ (In My Opinion)."
During the Shabbat service of February 2nd, Reverend Dr. John Danner, Senior Pastor of Bat Yam’s host church will be the guest speaker. His sermon title is “Set Apart – But For What?” Based on Exodus 19:1-6, Reverend Danner will explore what it means for Jews and Christians to understand themselves to be a “priestly people” and how American exceptionalism may or may not reflect those understandings. On Sunday, February 4th, Rabbi Stephen Fuchs will speak at both the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services of the SCUCC. His sermon topic will be "The Psalms’ (In My Opinion)."
FEBRUARY 2018 BAT YAM SHABBAT MORNING CLASSES
The Shabbat morning classes begin with a half hour of Hebrew reading instruction taught by Rabbi Fuchs. They continue with Rabbi Fuchs’ presentations according to the topic “Beginning with Creation in Genesis and Getting As Far As We Get as the Year Unfolds”. Bat Yam congregants present the second session.
Irene Skolnick is overseeing the February congregant sessions focusing on the topic of Jews in America, beginning with the Revolutionary War period and moving forward to such topics as Jews in the Civil Rights movement.
The Shabbat morning classes begin with a half hour of Hebrew reading instruction taught by Rabbi Fuchs. They continue with Rabbi Fuchs’ presentations according to the topic “Beginning with Creation in Genesis and Getting As Far As We Get as the Year Unfolds”. Bat Yam congregants present the second session.
Irene Skolnick is overseeing the February congregant sessions focusing on the topic of Jews in America, beginning with the Revolutionary War period and moving forward to such topics as Jews in the Civil Rights movement.
Rabbi Fuchs Reflects
The Adult Issues of Purim
Purim is a time for Groggers, costumes, noise and merriment. With all the frivolity and fun that we shall hopefully experience on Shabbat Eve, March 2, it is easy to dismiss Purim as merely a fun holiday for the young and the young at heart, but Purim is much more.
The Purim story in the Book of Esther confronts the mature reader with vital issues about sexual abuse, the phenomenon of prejudice, and human destiny.
Vashti
Too seldom do we ponder the courage of Vashti, King Ahasuerus' first wife. The world's most powerful man commands her to display her beauty for his drunken friends, but she refuses. She is a worthy role model for our daughters. Vashti refused to simply be a sex object even if that refusal cost her throne. Hopefully all of us can learn from her courage.
Prejudice
A vital lesson about prejudice presents itself when Mordecai refuses to bow down before Haman. Haman is angry, but as the Bible records: "...it was not enough for him to punish Mordecai alone, for they had told him the people of Mordecai" (Esther 3:5). No, because of his anger at one man, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews.”
Sadly, the prejudice presented against us in the book of Esther has confronted our people many times throughout history. Many other groups experience it today. The Purim story provides a vivid example of this phenomenon that we can profitably discuss with young people.
Destiny
When Mordecai read Haman's decree condemning the Jews of Persia to death, he sent a message to Esther to intercede for her people. Esther's response was that she dared not enter the presence of the king because he had not summoned her, and the penalty is death for anyone who appears unbidden before the king unless he holds out his scepter as a sign of acceptance.
Mordecai, through the servant Hatach, asks Esther a question we should all frequently ask ourselves: "Who knows if you have not become queen for just such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14) In other words, who knows if we are where we are at any given moment just for the opportunity the moment offers us to make a difference.
Mordecai's really asks us all: Are we on this earth just to enjoy life? Is our own pleasure the primary purpose of our existence? Jewish tradition and the Book of Esther says, "No."
Esther could have lived out her life in selfish luxury. But Mordecai's question pricked her conscience enough so that she risked everything to save our people.
Mordecai's question addresses us as well.
In our lives, all of us, like Esther, have moments when our action or inaction, our willingness or unwillingness to take a risk can make a vital difference in someone's life. We can seize these moments or turn away from them. Esther swallowed her fear and seized her moment. Her example and her courage commend themselves to all of us when opportunities come for us to step up and make a difference.
So, as Purim approaches I hope we prepare for more than a good time. If we study the Book of Esther carefully, the lessons we learn about sexual harassment, the phenomenon of prejudice and our destiny as human beings can enrich our Jewish souls long after the celebration is over.
Stephen Fuchs
The Purim story in the Book of Esther confronts the mature reader with vital issues about sexual abuse, the phenomenon of prejudice, and human destiny.
Vashti
Too seldom do we ponder the courage of Vashti, King Ahasuerus' first wife. The world's most powerful man commands her to display her beauty for his drunken friends, but she refuses. She is a worthy role model for our daughters. Vashti refused to simply be a sex object even if that refusal cost her throne. Hopefully all of us can learn from her courage.
Prejudice
A vital lesson about prejudice presents itself when Mordecai refuses to bow down before Haman. Haman is angry, but as the Bible records: "...it was not enough for him to punish Mordecai alone, for they had told him the people of Mordecai" (Esther 3:5). No, because of his anger at one man, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews.”
Sadly, the prejudice presented against us in the book of Esther has confronted our people many times throughout history. Many other groups experience it today. The Purim story provides a vivid example of this phenomenon that we can profitably discuss with young people.
Destiny
When Mordecai read Haman's decree condemning the Jews of Persia to death, he sent a message to Esther to intercede for her people. Esther's response was that she dared not enter the presence of the king because he had not summoned her, and the penalty is death for anyone who appears unbidden before the king unless he holds out his scepter as a sign of acceptance.
Mordecai, through the servant Hatach, asks Esther a question we should all frequently ask ourselves: "Who knows if you have not become queen for just such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14) In other words, who knows if we are where we are at any given moment just for the opportunity the moment offers us to make a difference.
Mordecai's really asks us all: Are we on this earth just to enjoy life? Is our own pleasure the primary purpose of our existence? Jewish tradition and the Book of Esther says, "No."
Esther could have lived out her life in selfish luxury. But Mordecai's question pricked her conscience enough so that she risked everything to save our people.
Mordecai's question addresses us as well.
In our lives, all of us, like Esther, have moments when our action or inaction, our willingness or unwillingness to take a risk can make a vital difference in someone's life. We can seize these moments or turn away from them. Esther swallowed her fear and seized her moment. Her example and her courage commend themselves to all of us when opportunities come for us to step up and make a difference.
So, as Purim approaches I hope we prepare for more than a good time. If we study the Book of Esther carefully, the lessons we learn about sexual harassment, the phenomenon of prejudice and our destiny as human beings can enrich our Jewish souls long after the celebration is over.
Stephen Fuchs
Annual Meeting and Pot Luck Dinner
Bat Yam’s annual meeting and installation of officers and the Board of Directors will be held Thursday, March 15th. Dinner will begin at 6:00pm, followed by the meeting. We are planning to have a Pot Luck Dinner and hope many of you will volunteer to prepare a favorite dish. You may bring an appetizer, salad, entrée, vegetable or dessert. Please make enough for ten to twelve and include a note card with your name and the name of your dish. In lieu of food contributions, donations to cover expenses are welcome. Please plan to arrive at 5:30pm with your food dish so that we can have everything set up and ready by start time.
Contact one of us with any questions and to let us know what you are bringing, or you may sign up at services using the sign-up sheet at the welcome table. Thank you for your help; we look forward to seeing you there.
JANUARY SHABBAT INSTALLATION SERVICE FORMALLY WELCOMES RABBI FUCHS AND CANTOR SIMON
During the Shabbat evening service of Friday, January 5th, guest Rabbi Paul J. Citrin formally installed Rabbi Stephen Fuchs and Cantor Murray Simon as rabbi and cantor of Bat Yam. This very special evening hosted by Bat Yam president Alan Lessack included remarks welcoming Rabbi Fuchs and Cantor Simon into the Sanibel community by Sanibel City Manager Judith A. Zimomra. Other speakers were Ms. Jeanne Tobin, presently a resident of Cleveland, OH who was president of Temple Isaiah in Columbia, MD where Rabbi Fuchs served in the mid-1980s and The Reverend Doctor John H. Danner, Senior Pastor of Bat Yam’s host church, SCUCC.
As a formal response to his installation, Cantor Simon sang the world premiere of a musical composition he wrote in honor of Rabbi Fuchs titled “La-asok B’divrei Torah,” in which he set to music the prayer that precedes study of Torah, “Praised Art Thou, Adonai Our God, Sovereign of the Universe, Who Instills in us the holiness of Mitzvot By commanding us to study the words of Torah.” Rabbi Paul Citrin delivered formal remarks on the topic “The Keys to A Flourishing Congregation.” A native of Los Angeles, Rabbi Citrin was ordained by the Hebrew Union College in 1973. He currently serves as the rabbi of the Taos, NM Jewish Center and teaches classes at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque and at other locations.
During the Shabbat evening service of Friday, January 5th, guest Rabbi Paul J. Citrin formally installed Rabbi Stephen Fuchs and Cantor Murray Simon as rabbi and cantor of Bat Yam. This very special evening hosted by Bat Yam president Alan Lessack included remarks welcoming Rabbi Fuchs and Cantor Simon into the Sanibel community by Sanibel City Manager Judith A. Zimomra. Other speakers were Ms. Jeanne Tobin, presently a resident of Cleveland, OH who was president of Temple Isaiah in Columbia, MD where Rabbi Fuchs served in the mid-1980s and The Reverend Doctor John H. Danner, Senior Pastor of Bat Yam’s host church, SCUCC.
As a formal response to his installation, Cantor Simon sang the world premiere of a musical composition he wrote in honor of Rabbi Fuchs titled “La-asok B’divrei Torah,” in which he set to music the prayer that precedes study of Torah, “Praised Art Thou, Adonai Our God, Sovereign of the Universe, Who Instills in us the holiness of Mitzvot By commanding us to study the words of Torah.” Rabbi Paul Citrin delivered formal remarks on the topic “The Keys to A Flourishing Congregation.” A native of Los Angeles, Rabbi Citrin was ordained by the Hebrew Union College in 1973. He currently serves as the rabbi of the Taos, NM Jewish Center and teaches classes at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque and at other locations.
Rabbi Stephen Fuchs Installation Ceremony at Bat Yam Temple of the Islands. With Rabbi Paul J. Citrin and Cantor Murray Simon.
Repeatedly in the Bible, it is the woman who 'gets it' and the man who is clueless. Eve has been maligned for generations for the supposed fall of man, when in fact; she is the heroine of the elevation of humanity. ~
"Women (Em)Power" from "Why the Kof? Getting the Best of Rabbi Fuchs."
"Women (Em)Power" from "Why the Kof? Getting the Best of Rabbi Fuchs."